Amsterdam Schiphol and KLM Successfully Complete First Electric TaxiBot Operations

Amsterdam, September 25, 2025, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines successfully completed the first-ever operation of an Electric TaxiBot (E-TaxiBot), representing a major milestone toward sustainable aviation, airport electrification, and cleaner ground operations.

During the demonstration, the E-TaxiBot reached a speed of 21 knots while smoothly and silently towing a KLM Boeing 737 aircraft. The operation demonstrated the ability of green taxiing technologies to significantly reduce fuel consumption, decrease emissions, and lower engine-related noise while improving the working environment for airport personnel.

The TaxiBot solution supports ENG OFF ground operations by allowing aircraft to taxi with their main engines switched off while pilots remain fully in command. Combined with broader APU OFF strategies and airport energy infrastructure such as GPU, PCA (Pre Conditioned Air), FEGP (Fixed Electrical Ground Power) and integrated COMBO solutions, these technologies contribute to a wider Zero Ground Emission ecosystem.

As airports and airlines continue reducing CO2 emissions aviation, innovative systems such as the E-TaxiBot provide a practical pathway toward carbon neutral objectives and sustainable airport transformation. By reducing fuel burn and limiting emissions directly at the source, green taxiing is becoming an important enabler of next-generation airport operations.

This milestone was achieved through close collaboration between TLD, Israel Aerospace Industries, Smart Airport Systems (SAS), Schiphol, KLM, and local partners.

As highlighted during the demonstration, KLM’s Chief Pilot in Command summarized the achievement with a simple conclusion:

“We can stamp it and approve it!”

This successful demonstration reinforces the long-term commitment of Schiphol and KLM toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable airport operations.